Keokuk Area Hospital Leadership Change

The hospital’s Board of Directors has announced the signing of a two-year contract with Fitch Healthcare to help manage the facility.

Board Chairman Walt Stephens says the suburban Chicago firm has been working with the hospital for about three years in a consulting role.

The reason we are bringing Fitch Healthcare in is to turn around and keep the hospital here in Keokuk

He says this is the latest step in the process of improving services, increasing market share and enhancing Keokuk Area Hospital’s finances.

“We don’t have any intent to close the hospital,” says Stephens. “The reason we are bringing Fitch Healthcare in is to turn around and keep the hospital here in Keokuk. It is the desire of the Board of Directors to have a hospital here in Keokuk and that is what we are doing.”

The announcement of the contract follows the resignation of Wally Winkler as CEO.

Stephens would not comment on Winkler’s resignation, other than to say he will stay on to help in the transition.

Stephens says Fitch Healthcare and the hospital’s remaining administrative team will report to the Board of Directors.